[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 28 (Friday, February 10, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E115-E116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING DR. EVANS WHITAKER FOR 20 YEARS AS PRESIDENT OF ANDERSON 
                               UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DUNCAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 10, 2023

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the leadership of Dr. 
Evans P. Whitaker, President of Anderson University, as well as his 
wife, Mrs. Diane Whitaker,
  In 2002, Dr. Whitaker assumed the presidency of Anderson University 
in Anderson, South Carolina, and in just 2 decades, the university's 
student population has more than doubled. Anderson College was 
chartered more than a century ago in 1911 and was one of the first 
institutions of higher learning for women in the United States. In 
2006, it officially became Anderson University under Dr. Whitaker. In 
under 20 years with Dr. Whitaker at the helm, Anderson University has 
grown from barely 1,600 students to roughly 4,200 students, making it 
South Carolina's largest private university and the 16th fastest-
growing regional university in the last decade.
  Under Dr. Whitaker's visionary leadership, he has ushered the 
university into its modern era and established a legacy of 
accomplishments, including increasing the campus size from 68 acres to 
400 acres and bringing the university's academics to the next level. He 
has also seen the university launch 26 graduate programs, establish the 
South Carolina School of the Arts, begin the Undergraduate Center for 
Cancer Research, be recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as 
a Great College to Work For, and experience more than $100 million in 
capital improvement, including a new library, student center, athletic 
facilities, and 2 new academic buildings. Dr. Whitaker is also a leader 
in the Anderson community, South Carolina, and beyond, and

[[Page E116]]

holds various leadership positions on the community, state, and 
national levels.
  Congratulations to Dr. Whitaker and his wife, Diane (and her 
commitment to baking her famous chocolate chip cookies for every 
student), for 20 years at AU and for helping shape the university into 
a premier Christian university and among the best regional universities 
in the South. The university has remained committed to preparing 
students with the knowledge they need to be successful in their 
careers, and more importantly, to thrive in all areas of life, 
including family, community, and faith. AU is truly an Academically 
Excellent, Faith-filled, Hospitable, Purpose-driven place that provides 
students with a rigorous educational experience, grounded in faith and 
innovation.
  I am proud to represent Anderson University in Congress and am 
excited to see the university continue to grow and instill in students 
``Knowledge for your Journey'' in an intentionally Christian 
environment. God Bless Anderson University and Go Trojans.

                          ____________________